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[Greeny18]

Hi Guys,
       Thought I'd do a bit of preventative and flush the system, little bit of "de-scaler" for 24 hours and then flush that out. Refill slowly, make sure any air is dispersed, nice steady temp 80- 90 degrees, heater nice and hot then you've guessed it, low coolant light on. loss at rear of engine. Sounds like infamous HCV gone. Could I have damaged something with the hose pipe pressure up various pipes?
            Thanks
                  Greeny

[05omegav6]

Heater bypass valve is probably the culprit. Cheap enough from dealers and a bit fiddly to change. If you don't know whether is has been changed before then try a new one before pulling the engine to bits.

A few silly questions:

1. Have you closed the drain plug on the radiator?
2. Any sign of oil in the coolant or vice versa, (excluding the obligatory light film of mayo in the oil     filler neck)?
3. What colour coolant came out of the car?
4. what colour coolant went into the car?

The answers should be:

1. Yes.
2. No/No.
3. Red.
4. Red.

In which case replace the hbv and see what happens.

HTH,

Al.

[ScaniaV8]

Always replace the HBV with a genuine GM Vauxhall unit, otherwise false economy (About £38 retail cost).
Oh...and don't forget to have plenty of plasters handy and also the obligatory  swear box donation!
There is an excellent guide on forum in Maintenance section covering the HBV replacement.
Good luck  :-)

[henryd]

Always replace the HBV with a genuine GM Vauxhall unit, otherwise false economy (About £38 retail cost).
Oh...and don't forget to have plenty of plasters handy and also the obligatory  swear box donation!
There is an excellent guide on forum in Maintenance section covering the HBV replacement.
Good luck  :-)

I did'nt think they were available aftermarket,thought it was gm only :-?

[Greeny18]

Hi Guys,
     Just had another look at the HBV again looking for some sort of coolant loss or and maybe some tell tale steam but ...............no. Now the coolant is coming from the front of the engine very low near the crank pulley. Am I now looking at possible water pump failure?
         Greeny

[ffcgary1]

poss, but it could also be the thermostat housing is leaking or the oil cooler plate as well. Take the plenium off and have a look at the stat housing. you will need to take the intake manifold off to check properly the oil cooler plate.

[Greeny18]

stat housing is a definate possibility,only losing about 2/3 litres before stopping, so would need to be high on the engine, or in this case higher than the water pump.Has anyone used sealant aswell as a new O ring or is a new seal and torque wrench the only way.

[ffcgary1]

Replace the housing and o ring together, there is another thread on here regarding this job so look for a thread by auto addict. it will give you the part no that you need. also you will need shorter bolts with the new housing.
 

[Andy H]

Sounds like it could be the oil cooler cover plate.

I would take the inlet plenum and divider off and do a coolant pressure test to be sure.

[richdrury]

sorry to say that after a thermostat replacement as mine was stuck open i had a very simmilar leak, took it back to the garage the did the thermostat for me and they found the oil cooler plate seal to be leaking, cost me a fair few pennys to get fixed, but enging now runs sweet as a nut, hope you get it sorted ok

[Greeny18]

Andy H and richdrury2001 were spot on, cleared the valley to find a tiny pin hole in the cover plate in the front union  recess.Pictures available if needed.                         
      1.    Is this a simple repair using some sort of sealant?
      2.     would this be temporary and I could be doing this again in the  near future?
      3.    fit new oil cooler,cover plate,seals,coolant,oil an oil filter?
      4.   are there any benefits to changing filter from cartridge to spin on type?
      5.   Anything else I can do whilst in the valley?

      Cheers
            Ray :-/

[Greeny18]

[size=18]OK I've decided, fit a new oil cooler, any ideas for best price[/size]

[Greeny18]

   Some pics of the cause of my coolant loss